How To Identify the Birds You’re Watching!

mountains, tree, hummingbird feeder, hummingbird

Is there anything better than getting away to the mountains in the midst of jaw dropping beauty to reset yourself? Everyone needs to get to the mountains at some point. No need for a TV here, so much to watch, it’s ever changing. The clouds, the mountains, the fog, the plants/blooms and of course, the birds, rabbits, etc. The birds were a special treat this visit…

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Guess the Artist #40 | Detroit Institute of Arts

Painting in gold frame, subject men in a boat, trying to save a man in the water, shark, one man with a harpoon, buildings and boats in distance
I took this photo at the DIA a few years ago. Amazing place to visit!

DRAMATIC painting. So much going on here. You can feel the emotion, the pleas for help, the brave souls trying their best. What happened a few seconds after this painting? Can YOU guess this artist? Read on to find out the artist’s name and information about this painting.

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The Periwinkle by Joseph Fidler

watercolor painting, painting of a cottage with cedar shakes, dormer with six small windows, fireplace, large door, many trees, rocks in the foreground
The Periwinkle 2009 by dad (Joseph Fidler)

I’m sure i’ve posted this painting in years past. But to go through 13+ years of posts (the first ten years daily) seemed a bit daunting. I was thrilled to find this tucked in one of our cherished books. It’s actually a card (I’ve saved every one he’s sent).

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A Sunrise Treasure!

Mountains with sunrise in the distance, early morning fog, treetops, and swirling dark blue clouds

Sunrise. Sunset. I love them both equally. How magical it would be to have an amazing view of one or the other. “If I had my druthers” as my MIL will say, I’m not sure which I would pick. I love a sunrise. I love to pop out of bed as I did in this image above. But, I also love a sunset. We were visiting…

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Western North Carolina – Thoughts on Helene…

Almost all of us have witnessed the endless images of destruction from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene. Helene came onshore as a Category 4 hurricane near Cape Fear, FL on September 26, 2024 – a few short days ago. From there the devastation continued through Georgia, South Carolina and Western North Carolina… In Charleston, Helene passed as a tropical storm from quite a distance away, but the wind effects felt stronger and lasted longer than some hurricanes in recent memory.

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September in Maine – Photo from the Archives.

Monhegan, Maine

I took this photo our first year in Maine. September, 2006. We knew it would be beautiful, but whoa! We had no idea of how drop dead gorgeous it was. We visited Port Clyde, Maine – then took a boat to Monhegan Island for 5 nights – then back to mainland and headed home. There was so much to see it was mind blowing. This was 18 years ago… I’m sure this scene looks just like this today.

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Memories: St John’s Marsh – Broken Leg On A Snowmobile

Stunning, isn’t it? This photo was taken a while ago when we were in Michigan. When I drive this relatively long stretch as a passenger, I’m usually taking photos, a lot of photos. A few will turn out. I love the trees in this shot. There are only a few. This is a lakeplain prairie. If you have never heard of such a thing, take a quick peek and discover what that is. Beautiful yes, but this area holds memories, ha ha – (This is a photo from a year or two ago, we aren’t in MI now)…

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Forest Bathing 101: just. breathe.

Waynesville, North Carolina

I love a misty/foggy day, especially when it’s relatively cool outside. We recently spent a few days in Waynesville, NC – where we spent some much needed time away from devices and pretty much every other distraction. This photo captures the serene beauty of the day. No sunshine. #woohoo A nice thick fog blanketed pretty much everything. There was mist at times and a short thunderstorm one evening 💛- we fell asleep listening to the rain. #perfection What a treat! There is scientific evidence to prove that forest bathing is good for you… (Click to read the article).

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Rain or Shine, Sleet or Hail…

View from Outdoor Porch at The Swag

Rain or shine, sleet or hail (or even snow!!) – some places we visit are so special it really doesn’t matter what the weather is.- each has its own appeal. Our last trip to the mountains had a good bit of fog and it was lovely! I love cool weather (yet live in South Carolina) – the difference in temperatures between Charleston and Waynesville is mind blowing – especially for a 4.5 hour drive. I see why so many people love to visit the mountains. Of course the fog lifted and the mountains were glorious – what a treat!

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Anticipation… part of the getaway experience!

Anticipation. You know, if you have a getaway planned months ahead -that wonderful feeling of anticipation. Looking forward to wherever it is you may be going. Anticipation makes you happy. It gives you hope that a break is coming soon, where you can getaway and become one with nature or sit and relax or go bungee jumping – whatever it is that makes you happy… is coming soon.

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In need of calm and serenity, who isn’t?

What a stunning sunrise, don’t you agree? This sunrise photo was taken last month in Waynesville, NC. So breathtaking and peaceful. I just look at this image and I think about the good time we had getting up and heading out only to run into friends along the way. Pretty cool. We all enjoyed a beautiful sunrise together. Very grateful for our time at such a beautiful location.

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The Loss of a Legend…

It’s never easy to lose someone who is so wonderful. A person who contributed so much to this world, made it better in every way. Penny had a gift with her words, and with her humor. I am so thankful she shared some of her stories with us. Go hug your favorite people right now, let them know how much they matter. Because time is not guaranteed and it is fleeting. I sadly share this news with you…

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Starry, Starry Night…

View from Annie’s Room at The Swag

Do you have Labor Day off today? If so, woohoo! If not, celebrate it on your next day off! We don’t have big plans, hanging around the house – haven’t even thought about what to make today… we’ll see what sounds good and work from there! #stressfree Sometimes, it’s worth it to get up early (work or no work), as proven in this incredible nighttime photo in North Carolina.

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